In the last quarter of the year 2021, about 368 pensioners benefitted from over N1bn rolled out by the Oyo state government.

This was made known by the Chairman Local Government Pension Board, Prince Adebayo Adeyemi, while speaking at the official Flag off of the payment of gratuity to retired local government staff, retired primary school teachers, and next of kin of deceased across the 33 local government of the state on Tuesday in Ibadan.

In his words the chairman said the dream to obtain the dividend of hard labour has finally come to fruition in the lives of the pensioners.

He went further to add that the current administration is not taking any of the benefits of the pensioners for granted.

“We must remain grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde who has continued to show his commitment to the cause of the pensioners together with the workforce in the State.

“At this juncture, permit me to delve a bit into the essence of instituting pension scheme for the retirees by our founding fathers. It is obvious that the scheme was established with a view to protecting, providing and caring for the retirees who have spent their productive days, laboring to provide services to enhance the well being of the country and her citizens.”

Also speaking at the event, State Secretary National Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Segun Abatan enjoined pensioners to move away from being a bad instrument to politicians.

He said: “We must tell our people not to allow those political leaders to use sweet words to take away their right as pensioners as we are one of the most important figures in the society.

“We are glad with the current administration as he made it his top priority to pay government workers their right which is rare. We are used to fighting with the government but we are enjoying life under this administration and we are happy.”

Morayo Michael, one of the beneficiaries said he has been expecting his gratitude for about 5 years now before the current administration decided to put smile on his face.

He concluded by showing gratitude saying “I’m so happy with this and I must say thank you to the Governor for fulfilling his promise to pensioners. I have been waiting for this for about 5 years and today I will smile all day.”.